Three USMNT Hopefuls Drive Canada's Best MLS Team

Minnesota United FC faces a tough test against Vancouver Whitecaps' trio of national team prospects

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:51pm

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The Vancouver Whitecaps are off to a strong start in the 2026 MLS season, thanks in large part to three players who are making a case for spots on the U.S. Men's National Team roster ahead of the World Cup: defender Tristan Blackmon, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and striker Brian White. All three have been key contributors for the Whitecaps, with Blackmon earning Defender of the Year honors in 2025, Berhalter landing on the MLS Best XI, and White emerging as one of the league's top goal scorers. As the Whitecaps prepare to host Minnesota United FC, these three players will look to continue their impressive form and potentially boost their chances of representing the USMNT in the upcoming World Cup.

Why it matters

The performance of these three USMNT hopefuls is significant not only for the Whitecaps' success, but also for the future of the U.S. national team. With the World Cup on the horizon, Blackmon, Berhalter, and White are vying for spots on the roster, and their play in MLS could be a determining factor in whether they earn a call-up from head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The details

Tristan Blackmon, a versatile defender, was named the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year and has established himself as a dominant presence in the Whitecaps' backline. Sebastian Berhalter, a skilled midfielder, has contributed 21 assists and 9 goals for the club since joining in 2022, and was also named to the MLS Best XI last season. Striker Brian White has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in MLS, with 98 goal contributions across all competitions for the Whitecaps since 2021, and is the highest-scoring North American in the league.

  • Blackmon, Berhalter, and White have all been with the Whitecaps since 2022.
  • In 2025, Blackmon was named MLS Defender of the Year and Berhalter was named to the MLS Best XI.
  • So far in the 2026 MLS season, Blackmon, Berhalter, and White have all scored goals and been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday.

The players

Tristan Blackmon

A versatile defender who was named the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year and has established himself as a dominant presence in the Whitecaps' backline.

Sebastian Berhalter

A skilled midfielder who has contributed 21 assists and 9 goals for the Whitecaps since joining the club in 2022, and was also named to the MLS Best XI last season.

Brian White

A prolific striker who has been one of the highest-scoring North Americans in MLS, with 98 goal contributions across all competitions for the Whitecaps since 2021.

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What’s next

The three USMNT hopefuls will look to continue their strong performances as the Whitecaps host Minnesota United FC this weekend. Their play in this match and throughout the season could be a key factor in determining whether they earn a spot on the U.S. national team roster for the upcoming World Cup.

The takeaway

The success of Tristan Blackmon, Sebastian Berhalter, and Brian White with the Vancouver Whitecaps highlights the depth of talent in the U.S. Men's National Team player pool, and the fierce competition for spots on the World Cup roster. Their performances could have a significant impact on the USMNT's chances in the tournament.